The Ultimate Cape Spring Guide with Leon Kluge

This is the oldest mountain desert in the world. But in spring you'll discover Richtersveld is a wonderland of rare bulbs right on the border between Namibia and South Africa along the Orange River.  

This is Leon's annual spring adventure. 

"It’s incredible. In summer it looks desolate, just sand and stone, but in spring, especially in a good year, the flowers explode en masse," explains Leon.

"It’s such an undiscovered space for most people because it’s so far away and there’s nothing really there. You need a 4x4, you have to pack all your own food and gear, and there’s no reception - you’re completely cut off from the world.

"But it’s a miniature universe, one of the richest places on Earth when it comes to little succulents, bulbs and annuals during a good rainy season. It’s absolutely magical. Some of the plants are extremely rare, found only in those mountains and nowhere else on Earth. For me, it’s become a tradition to go back each spring and see those beautiful flowers."

Need to Know: The Richtersveld is remote - a 10 –12 hour drive (roughly 900km) from Cape Town. Most visitors enter through Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp, the main gateway to Richtersveld National Park. A high-clearance 4x4 is essential, and you’ll need to bring all supplies with you.

Each spring, Namaqua National Park transforms into one of Earth's most spectacular wildflower displays.  

“Namaqua National Park is one of the most beautiful places for spring flowers. I’d recommend staying in one of the tented camps along the coast, you wake up every morning surrounded by fields of daisies.

"It’s really beautiful and such a unique experience.”

Need to Know: Around 6 hours (550km) from Cape Town by car. The park has both inland and coastal sections. Book well ahead if you want to stay in the seasonal flower camps, which open only during bloom time.

Nieuwoudtville, known as the “bulb capital of the world,” erupts into a dazzling display of wildflowers and rare bulbs every spring.  

“Nieuwoudtville is the bulb capital of the world. In September the fields explode with colour. It’s one of my absolute favourites, and so easy for anyone to visit from Cape Town.” 

Need to Know: About 4.5 hours (350km) from Cape Town. The Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve and nearby Hantam National Botanical Garden are prime viewing spots. 

Part of the Cape’s West Coast, Elands Bay’s wildflower-strewn beaches are worth the road trip. 

"Elands Bay is always a plus for me. The beaches there are covered with wonderful flowers. The blooms stretch from Elands Bay all the way to Piketberg."

Need to Know: Elands Bay is around 2.5 hours (220km) from Cape Town. Plan to explored this part of the spring route from late August to September.

The mountain slopes of Gifberg offer some of spring’s most striking floral displays. 

"Gifberg, right on top of the mountain, is one of my favourites. Up there you see incredible flowers, many of them unique to that area." 

Need to Know: Combine Elands Bay with a drive to Gifberg, near Vanrhynsdorp, about 4.5 hours (300km) from Cape Town. Both areas are best explored in late August to September.

Explore the sweeping flower-filled valleys of Biedouw, offering remote access to some of South Africa’s most beautiful floral wonders. 

"I love the Biedouw Valley near Clanwilliam - you see endless fields of flowers there, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Both are perfect if you want to experience the bloom without needing a 4x4.”

Need to Know: Biedouw Valley is about 3.5 - 4 hours (290km) from Cape Town and best combined with a weekend in Clanwilliam or the Cederberg.

The West Coast comes alive each spring with the vibrant blooms of West Coast National Park, stretching all along the R27. 

“The West Coast National Park is everybody’s favourite, and for good reason. It’s so accessible from Cape Town and the colours in September are always breathtaking. 

Need to Know: West Coast National Park is just 1.5 hours (120km) from Cape Town and perfect for a day trip in August–September.